Category Archives: Blog

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Contrave Coupon

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The Contrave coupon is here! You can print it out and use it at any Walmart, CVS Pharmacy, Winn-Dixie, Walgreens, Kmart, Target, CVS, Safeway, or Publix! The Contrave coupon can help save you money on the most popular opioid antagonist/atypical antidepressant combination. Contrave is a relatively new drug, so prescription assistance programs often work better than the printable Contrave coupon. Read on to find out about Contrave and what it can do for you.

Contrave Cost

Contrave is a relatively expensive medication, costing an average of $272 even with a manufacturer’s coupon. Since there will be no generic equivalent available until 2030, the only option is to buy the name brand of this drug. Co-pay cards and coupons can help people save, but prescription assistance programs really shine when it comes to saving money on your Contrave prescription.

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What is Contrave?

Contrave is an FDA-approved, prescription-only weight loss medication that is approved for use in the treatment of obesity and high bodyweight. Contrave is the perfect medication for overweight adults that struggle to keep the weight off. It is believed that Contrave works on two areas of the brain to reduce hunger and help control cravings. The hunger center and reward system of the brain are influenced by Contrave to help minimize cravings and weight put on by excess calories.

Contrave contains two medications: naltrexone HCI and bupropion HCI. The combination of these two drugs led to 2-4x the weight loss on average when compared to a group on a placebo medication. Both groups were put on a healthy eating and exercise routine. Contrave should be combined with a consistent exercise program and a healthy eating program for maximum results.

What is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a medication that is traditionally used to manage alcohol or opioid dependence. Low dose Naltrexone can help increase the level of dopamine in the human brain. When an individual has low dopamine levels in the brain they can be prone to self-destructive behaviors, such as self-mutilation, gambling, pornography addiction, compulsive lying, drug and alcohol addiction, and food addiction (overeating/binging). Naltrexone can reduce these self-destructive behaviors by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain.

What is Bupropion?

Bupropion – also known as Wellbutrin – is an atypical antidepressant that is prescribed for the treatment of depression and smoking cessation. Depression can often cause negative emotional states such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, boredom, anger, and interpersonal conflict; all of these negative emotional states can lead to destructive behaviors such as overeating/binging/emotional eating. Bupropion boosts levels of noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain, which can lead to remission in the signs and symptoms of depression. Bupropion also acts as an antagonist at nicotinic receptors, which can decrease the cravings for cigarettes and food.

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Side Effects of Contrave

Contrave is usually started at a total daily dosage of two Contrave 8mg/90mg tablets and may be increased to four tablets (two taken twice daily) by the start of week 4 of treatment. Contrave comes with a list of common side effects, including but not limited to:

  • Fainting
  • Lightheadedness
  • Problems with attention
  • Heart palpitations
  • Muscle strain
  • Rash
  • Changes in taste
  • Increased sweating
  • High blood pressure
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Fly symptoms
  • Abdominal pain
  • Tremor
  • Fatigue
  • Hot flashes
  • Anxiety
  • Dry mouth
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Nausea

This is not a full list of side effects and you may experience none, some, or many of the above listed side effects depending on your own genetic makeup. Contrave effects people differently, so there is no way to know what side effects you will experience until you take the medication.

Listed below are a series of serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Suicidal behavior and ideation
  • Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events
  • Seizures
  • A dramatic increase in blood pressure and heart rate
  • Allergic reactions
  • Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Contrave Prescription Assistance

If you are one of the millions of uninsured or under-insured Americans who struggle to pay for their prescription medications, The Rx Helper is here to help you pay for your expensive medication. We facilitate the enrollment of prescription assistance programs, which help people pay little-to-no-money for their prescription medications. To find out if you qualify, give us a call at (877) 767-3297 or visit our contact page today.

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Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

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Millions of people are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, which is the type of diabetes that is caused, primarily, by lifestyle choices. If you are overweight, or have a brother, sister, father, mother, or friend that is overweight, they may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes as well. Diabetes is known to have serious health consequences, such as eye/foot problems, stroke, heart disease, and other metabolic disorders. The great news is that type 2 diabetes is easily preventable with a few lifestyle changes. There are a number of ways to prevent type 2 diabetes and we’ll be going over a few of those ways in this article.

Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Research has shown that there are many ways to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

  • Lose weight and don’t re-bound.

woman deadlifting

By losing weight and keeping it off, you greatly reduce your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If you are overweight, a good starting goal would be to lose 5-7% of your overall bodyweight. For example, if you are 300 pounds, you’ll want to lose 15-20 pounds.

So, how can you do this? Move more. Physical exercise should become a daily part of your routine. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. More is even better! Here are just a few activities that you can incorporate into your life to burn off a few extra calories every day:

  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Dog walking
  • Swimming
  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Weightlifting / resistance training
  • Going to the gym
  • Zumba classes
  • Kayaking
  • Rowing
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • And the list goes on…

Diet Changes

One of the biggest predictors of pre-diabetes is being overweight. To combat this, you should make a permanent diet shift. Out with the processed, sugary foods. Diet soda and soda alike should be entirely eliminated from your diet, and you should throw out “domino” foods if you keep them in the house. Ever eaten an entire jar or bag of something? That’s what we call a domino food. Even perceived “healthy” foods can add up in calories, such as cashew nuts. While nuts do have health benefits, eating an entire jar of nuts can add up to over 2000 calories, which is the average daily calorie requirement for women.

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Try incorporating foods that have no TV commercials, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and lean meats. If you want to go the extra mile, you can try calorie counting apps such as My Fitness Pal, which can aid in your weight loss journey. Try to eat something green at least three times a day.

Proper hydration can also help flush toxins out of your system, as well as keep you feeling full for longer. To start, aim for 8-12 8oz glasses of water each day. Proper hydration can also restore the vitality of your skin, improve the appearance of wrinkles, decrease your amount of acne, and lead to fat loss.

What if I’m Pre-Diabetic?

If you are pre-diabetic, your blood sugars are elevated and you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 3 Americans may be pre-diabetic. To lower your chance or developing this disease, follow all of the rules we just listed. In summation: eat healthier, get more physical exercise, drink more water, and reduce your overall calorie intake.

There is another option as well.

Metformin

Metformin HCL is a drug that is used in conjunction with diet and exercise to control high blood sugar in pre-diabetic patients. Controlling your high blood sugar can prevent serious symptoms of diabetes, such as sexual issues, nerve problems, loss of limbs, kidney damage, blindness, heart attack, heart disease, and stroke. Metformin decreases the amount of sugar that your liver produces, as well as how much sugar your intestines and stomach absorb. Metformin also restores your body’s natural response to the insulin it produces. Remember to follow a healthy diet plan and exercise regime when starting metformin.

Diabetes Prescription Assistance

The Rx Helper helps solve the problem of millions of uninsured and under-insured Americans that cannot afford to pay for their prescription medications by enrolling them in prescription assistance programs. To find out if you qualify, visit our contact page or give us a call at (877) 767-3297 for enrollment information.

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Xience Xpedition: A Cutting-Edge Stent

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In 2013, Abbott announced that they were to release a new coronary stent system; it was approved by the FDA in the same year. This stent has the largest size matrix in the U.S. market and features a delivery system that is optimized for complex coronary anatomies. Abbott’s drug-eluting stent is the first and only drug-eluting stent that is proven safe for direct stenting in the United States.

What is Xience Stent?

A stent is a small wire mesh tube that will prop an artery open to allow blood to flow through the passageway. The stent is inserted into a clogged artery and left in the artery permanently to reduce the chance of an artery re-narrowing. Stents reduce the chance of heart attack by keeping coronary arteries open. Often times, a buildup of plaque and fatty deposits occur in patients as they age. When blood flow is reduced to the heart muscle, it increases the risk of heart attack and chest pain. If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, a patient will suffer a heart attack.

A drug-eluting stent is covered with drugs that help keep the blood vessel from reclosing while stents that are not coated are called bare metal stents. An artery that was opened by angioplasty – without a stent – narrows again in about a 1/3 of patients. The re-narrowing of the artery is called restenosis.

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Xience Stent Cost

According to the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), as of 14th February 2017, a Xience Xpedition stent costs $29,600. This life-saving device is expensive, especially without health insurance. The safety and effectiveness of this device has been proven and no amount of money is worth a human life.

Patients that have a history of plaque buildup or coronary heart disease are at risk for a heart attack due to the buildup of cholesterol and fat inside blood vessels. Due to changing diet and an increase in sedentary lifestyle habits, more and more people are in need of drug-eluting stents and preventative measures. This stent is backed by impressive clinical evidence, including data from over 54,000 patients across 100 studies; these studies have shown positive long-term benefits even after five years. Abbott has a successful history of innovating products that save lives by identifying new ways to help patients.

Reducing Heart Attack Risk

If you are in need of a stent or are at risk of having a heart attack, follow these tips to live a healthier and longer life:

  1. Stop smoking. A heart attack is tougher than dealing with nicotine withdrawal.
  2. Good nutrition. Choose nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, poultry, legumes, extra virgin olive oil, and nuts. Avoid sweets, red meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
  3. Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. Medication, a healthy diet, and exercise can help with this.
  4. There is strong scientific evidence to support the benefits of exercise on the mind and body. At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity can help lower your cholesterol, blood pressure, and keep your weight in good kilter.
  5. Reduce your stress. Stress has been linked to coronary heart disease and stroke.
  6. Avoid or limit alcohol. Too much alcohol can increase the risk of cancer, stroke, cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, and other chronic diseases. Excessive alcohol can lead to alcoholism, depression, suicide, obesity, and alcohol-induced accidents.

Xience Xpedition Prescription Assistance

The cost of a Xience stent is high; however, the cost of not purchasing a stent if you need one is even higher. The Rx Helper was founded to help solve the problem of uninsured and under-insured Americans that need prescription assistance. We can help dramatically reduce the cost of many medications and medical devices so that you can recover from whatever ailment that you are currently facing. If you would like to find out if you qualify and want to learn more, visit our contact page or call us at (877) 767-3297.

 

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Xifaxan Cost

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Xifaxan is a prescription medicine that helps many patients with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. This is a powerful, prescription-only medication that provides significant relief from these side-effects. The price of Xifaxan, however, is staggering. Even with a Xifaxan coupon, the medication can cost upwards of $2,100. That is a serious price to pay to combat traveler’s diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.

How does Xifaxan work?

Xifaxin (rifaxmin) works differently from many antibiotics. It passes through your stomach and into the intestines without being absorbed into the bloodstream. It treats travelers’ diarrhea caused by E.Coli in adults and children above the age of 12. Most people contract this type of bacteria by eating or drinking something that was contaminated with the E. Coli bacteria. Not only does Xifaxan treat irritable bowel syndrome, it can also help remove toxic substances from the body in adults that are suffering from liver failure. This is supposed to lower the risk of worsened brain function in adults with liver failure.

assorted pills and medicationSide effects of Xifaxan

Stop using rifaximin and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • Severe stomach pain and diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
  • Fever
  • Rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection.

Common side effects may include:

  • swelling in your hands, feet or midsection;
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Abnormal liver function

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Xifaxin

According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastointestinal Disorders, as many as 15 percent of the American population suffers from irritable bowel syndrome. It is known as IBS for short. Xifaxan can help patients with IBS regain control of their life. IBS is a common disorder that can affect parts of the large intestine. Xifaxin helps control side effects of IBS such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea or constipation. IBS is a condition that you will need to manage long-term. Since it is a chronic condition, symptoms may vary in duration and intensity. You will want a monthly prescription of Xifaxin if you are suffering from this disorder.

When to see a doctor

You should see your doctor if IBS symptoms worsen. This may indicate a much more serious condition, such as colon cancer. Some of these symptoms can include:

  • Weight loss
  • Nocturnal diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Anemia
  • Unexplained vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Persistent abdominal pain

Xifaxin Cost

Xifaxin – without insurance – can cost upwards of $2,000 according to websites such as www.goodrx.com. That is including a manufacturers’ coupon! This is simply not affordable for the majority of Americans, insured or not. If YOU are under-insured or uninsured, we can help. We work with doctors, health care providers and pharmaceutical companies to help qualified patients get medication through prescription assistance programs. We understand that IBS needs to be controlled and sometimes Xifaxin can be the only right option for a patient. With our program, you can end up paying hundreds, even thousands of dollars less for your prescription. If you are interested in seeing if you qualify for our prescription assistance program, contact us today!

 

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Get a Prescription Discount for your Jetrea Medication!

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As we age, the list of medical issues we experience seems to grow longer. In many cases, aging, along with other things, comes increased eyesight troubles. If you have been to your eye doctor and he or she has diagnosed you with a condition known as Symptomatic Vitreomacular Adhesion and provided you with a prescription to Jetrea, you may find yourself having difficulty paying for it. Especially for those with little to no medical coverage, paying for the cost of medications is increasingly getting harder as time continues to press onward. The Rx Helper has developed a way to provide prescription discount on Jetrea for patients in need by way of patient assistance programs.

What is Symptomatic Vitreomacular Adhesion?

Symptomatic Vitreomacular Adhesion, or Symptomatic VMA, is a disorder of the eye that happens to many people as they age. The vitreous is a jelly-like film that protects the eye. As aging occurs, the vitreous can retract from where it is supposed to be. When retraction occurs, many people experience their vitreous sticking to the macula, which is another part of the eye that conducts clear vision. Those with Symptomatic VMA start to experience blurry vision as a result of this macula disruption. Anyone who is aging and has a retracting vitreous is at risk for developing Symptomatic VMA, and a prescription to Jetrea may help.

prescription assistance medication

How can Jetrea Help?

Treatment for Symptomatic VMA, if bad enough, will require surgery. Sometimes the condition simply clears up on its own. Some doctors may wish to wait a while and provide you with a check up at a later date to see if the condition has worsened or gotten better. However, there is an alternative option for those whose doctors think their patient does not require surgery. Jetrea is an injection into the vitreous that helps to pull the vitreous off of the macula, regaining the macula’s ability to produce clear vision.

What are the Common Side Effects of Jetrea?

As with any medication, there are a few patients who have experienced some side effects. Side effects will not occur in everyone as they vary from patient to patient. Remember; your doctor will not prescribe you with Jetrea unless he or she thinks that the medication can help control the symptoms of your Symptomatic VMA. Common side effects of a Jetrea injection may include:

  • Increased blurry vision
  • Seeing lights
  • A sensitivity to light
  • Seeing floating lines
  • Eye pain

Prescription Discount for Jetrea

If you have been prescribed or wish to ask your doctor about a prescription to Jetrea, you may find yourself struggling to pay for the price tag. The cost of prescriptions are steadily rising, and the big pharmaceutical comapnies have no plans for letting up in 2019. This is where small companies like The Rx Helper, who cut out the middleman to pass saving on to their customers, comes into play. We provide patient assistance programs for those who are having problems affording the cost of their medications. Whether you just need help paying for Jetrea, or you have a list of needed medications monthly, our prescription discount programs can help. To see if you qualify, simply go over the regulations listed on our website. Additionally, if you would like to speak to us about our services, please give us a call at 888-233-4303.

 

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Auvi-Q Coupon

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Auvi-Q was invented as an alternative to the EpiPen. Auto injectors such as these help mitigate potentially life-threatening reactions to severe allergic reactions. Both the Auvi-Q and EpiPen auto injectors administer a life-saving dose of epinephrine, which is also known as adrenaline. A severe allergic reaction is known as Anaphylaxis, a condition characterized by a drop in blood pressure and the swelling and/or narrowing of the airways.

Allergic reactions can be triggered by medications, latex, foods, insect bites or stings, and other environmental triggers. Epinephrine works by relaxing the muscles in the esophagus, allowing an affected person to breathe normally.

What is Adrenaline?

Adrenaline is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced in the adrenal glands in the human body. For reference, the adrenal glands are located on top of each of the kidneys. Adrenaline can help maintain a strong heartbeat and also diverts blood to certain tissue areas during times of stress. Certain emotions, such as anger, stress, and fear can trigger the release of this hormone. Heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, and sugar metabolism increase when epinephrine (adrenaline) is released into the bloodstream.

Auvi-Q Cost

With no health insurance or coupon, Auvi-Q is incredibly expensive. The average price ranges from $5,000-6,000. That’s as much as a car! The manufacturer of this drug offers coupons for this drug; however, the price can still range in the thousands. If you have a severe allergy, not carrying this auto-injector can be the difference between life and death. It is an incredibly necessary medication for those that are afflicted.

Epinephrine Prescription Assistance

The Rx Helper can help significantly reduce the cost of your Auvi-Q prescription through the use of prescription assistance programs. Auvi-Q is an absolutely essential medication if you suffer from severe allergic reactions. The Rx Helper was founded to help individuals pay for the cost of very expensive prescriptions such as Auvi-Q. We assist uninsured, under-insured, and underprivileged Americans by reducing the cost of expensive prescription medication. If you want to learn more about how we work and how much you can save, visit our contact page or call us 877-767-3297.

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Your Guide to Arthritis Medication

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The treatment that is recommended for arthritis is medication. The medication will help slow the progression of the disease. There are a variety of different pain medications to treat arthritis.They are put into two categories: opioid and non-opioid medication. Here is a guide to what they are and what they do.

Arthritis is a medical condition which consists of the inflammation of joints that cause pain and stiffness that begins to worsen with age. Arthritis becomes more common with old age and it can limit day to day function. The areas that can be targeted are back, fingers, heels, hands, neck, or wrist. It happens by the muscles weakening or decreasing the range of motion.

Opioid

Opioids are a very common way of eliminating pain through medication. They can treat severe, post-surgery pain, or short term pain. Although they treat pain, they are not recommended for chronic pain. This is because they can trigger addiction and the body will begin to tolerate them and they will be less effective over time.

Non-Opioids

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is another type of arthritis medication. It is also known as Tylenol and it works by disrupting the pain signals that are sent to the brain. This can be added in with other medications like opioids and cold medication. Acetaminophen can be damaging to the liver when taken in large amounts or consumed with alcohol.

NSAIDS

NSAIDS stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They work by alleviating inflammation. Examples of these drugs are ibuprofen, Advil, naproxen, and Aleve, which are all over-the-counter medications. Prescription medication that is NSAIDS are celecoxib and Celebrex. Side effects of NSAIDS are:

  • Constipation
  • Heartburn
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach Problems

Arthritis can be a serious problem and may cause limited mobility. If you or a loved one thinks they are suffering from dueto-arthritis then it is best to see your doctor for arthritis medications and other options. Medication can be complicated, so it is recommended to talk to your doctor about which drugs are right for you. 

DMARDs

DMARD is an acronym that stands for Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. These drugs are primarily used to decrease inflammation and temporarily ease the pain caused by inflammation. The most common DMARDs are: 

  • Arava 
  • Trexall 
  • Minocin
  • Azulfidine 
  • Plaquenil
  •  

Arthritis Prescription Assistance 

Are you one of the millions of Americans who can’t afford to pay for their prescription medications? Here at The Rx Helper, our goal is to provide affordable medication to all Americans, regardless of their insurance status. To qualify, you must be an uninsured or under-insured American who is struggling to pay for their prescription medications. If you would like to see if you qualify, contact us online or call 877-767-3297! 

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Asthma Prescription Assistance Programs

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The treatment of asthma has come a long way in the past few years. Care has improved and medicines have gotten better. These changes are making it easier for patients to control their asthma symptoms and live a fuller life. The cost of asthma medication is very high. When a patient transitions from CFC to HFA, the expense increases and many experience even more difficulties being able to afford it. There are millions of people in the United States with low incomes who suffer from asthma and being able to afford the medicine they require is difficult.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

The PPA is responsible for helping over six million uninsured patients receive their asthma prescription medications. The program is available to patients in all 50 states. This program was created to make it easier for uninsured and low income patients get the medicine they need for free or at considerably reduced cost. After a patient fills out an income based application, the PPA will match them to a program for which they are eligible.
The PPA’s mission is to bring awareness of patient assistance programs to those who are eligible. They are a single point of contact to gain access to over 475 public and private programs. The PPA’s help is free; they will not charge a fee for finding this contact information as some agencies do. Their need for financial information is only to match a patient to the assistance program they qualify for.

Rx Assist

Pharmaceutical companies run prescription assistance programs to provide medicines needed by those who cannot afford them. RxAssist has an extensive database of these programs and are able to match patients to the one that can help them the best. They also keep up to date on the medical world and provide news updates and articles on their website, keeping patients and health care professionals current.
RxAssist is a web-based, nationally recognized resource center for medication assistance. They have been around since 1999 and are funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. They can provide assistance to help patients find the correct assistance they need to get asthma medicine free or at a reduced cost.

AstraZeneca

This is a pharmaceutical company that will help people afford the medicine they need. Their company belief is that it is not enough to just make medicine- they want to make sure the people who need it – get it. They have been offering patient assistance programs for more than 35 years.
In 2014 the AZ&ME Prescription Savings Program saved more than $670 million for patients in the United States who needed help getting their prescription medications. Their program will help asthma patients get prescription assistance for the necessary medicine they need to lead a better life.

The Rx Helper

The Rx Helper takes great pride in helping those who qualify to get their expensive brand name medications. The Rx Helper will work with you and your doctor to help facilitate the paperwork and streamline the process with as little stress as possible. These are great programs for those who need prescription assistance.

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Is Your Teen Suffering From Depression?

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Depression is an issue that doesn’t have an age limit. While it’s true that awareness about depression has raised over recent years, it’s still a major problem among young adults— especially teenagers. After all, teenagers face an onslaught of pressures that adults don’t have to worry about anymore, ranging from puberty and personal growth to college placement tests and first boyfriends/girlfriends. What most parents would call “moodiness” could very well be something much more serious. The good news is there are ways you can help. If you suspect that your teen might be struggling with depression, there are ways you can identify the signs, show support, and get professional help as needed.

Signs and Symptoms of Teen Depression

One of the trickiest parts of addressing teen depression is recognizing it in the first place. Adults

have a stronger sense of recognizing personal problems because they don’t have to rely on caregivers like parents, teachers and guidance counselors to point out the signs. If you can’t recognize that your teenager is struggling with depression, chances are (s)he won’t recognize it either. This is why it’s important to learn what the not-so-obvious warning signs are. These might include:

  • anger
  • fatigue
  • sadness
  • irritability
  • restlessness
  • frequent crying
  • social withdrawal
  • lack of motivation
  • feelings of hopelessness
  • feelings of worthlessness
  • changes in diet or appetite
  • poor performance in school
  • unusual changes in sleeping habits
  • loss of interest in favorite activities
  • talk or thoughts of death or suicide

Address the Problem

silhouette of a girl in a window

Depression is a mental health issue that opens the gate for other problems if left untreated. The signs and symptoms listed above shouldn’t be chalked up to teen angst. They won’t just go away. So, if you suspect that your teen is struggling with depression, the first step to treating the problem is addressing it. You can start the conversation by letting your child know why you’re worried and which signs of depression you’ve noticed. It’s also important to remember to:

  • bring up your concerns without passing any kind of judgment
  • ask your teen about what (s)he is going through without being patronizing
  • listen to what your teen has to say without offering unsolicited advice
  • be loving and understanding, just like in any other situation

The best thing you can do at this point is to show that you’re supportive of your teen. Then you can move on to discussing potential solutions.

Improve Mental Health with Physical Health

Mental health and physical health are linked, so improving one will actually boost both. Depression is a condition that brings about things like lethargy, poor nutrition, and sleeplessness— all of which are physical issues. So, when addressing depression, the best treatments are the ones that counter these effects. As a parent, you can help your teen combat depressive behaviors by establishing a healthy routine and building a supportive home environment.

Exercise

Most experts agree that both children and teens need at least one hour of exercise every day to lead a healthy life. Something important to keep in mind, however, is that it shouldn’t feel like a chore. Otherwise, your teen will be less inclined to make exercise a part of his or her everyday routine. Doing little things like walking the dog, riding bikes, rollerblading or skateboarding can help your teen reach their one-hour quota. You can always do something together, too.

Diet

A balanced diet is an important thing for just about anyone to have. If your teen is struggling with depression, one way to help is by making sure he or she is getting enough nutrition. Nutrition is an area of health that is often overlooked, but it plays a major role in both physical and mental health. Incorporating healthy fats, lean protein, and fresh produce into your teen’s diet will aid in important mental functions like mood regulation.

Sleep

Sleep is one of the most prominent natural solutions to a wide variety of health problems— including depression. So, make sure your teen is getting plenty of sleep every night. Something important to keep in mind is that teenagers actually need more sleep than adults do in order to function normally. The recommended amount of sleep for teens ranges from 8 to 10 hours per night.

Getting Professional Help

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Offering support and helping your teen make healthy lifestyle changes will help combat depression, but it’s not guaranteed to fix everything. Since depression is an ailment of the brain, there could be factors in play that are out of your control. After all, fruits and veggies might not be enough to treat a deep-rooted hormonal imbalance.  So, if your teen is struggling with depression and the changes you’ve made together aren’t enough, getting professional help from a psychologist or psychiatrist can help even more. By working with a professional, you and your teen can explore the numerous medications and clinical treatment options available that have high success rates. However, be sure to get input; making decisions about your teen’s mental health without consent may worsen the problem.

If Your Teen is Struggling with Depression, Rx Helper Has the Solution

Treating depression start with recognizing the signs. Once you and your teen have worked through everything and made healthy changes to your daily routine, the final piece of the puzzle could be finding the right medication. At Rx Helper, our prescription assistance program can help you find the best and most affordable medication for your depressed teen. If you have questions about our enrollment process or would like more information about the medications we cover, please call us at 877-767-3297.

See If You Qualify For Prescription Assistance





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Happy Thanksgiving from The Rx Helper!

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We’d like to wish you a happy Thanksgiving from everyone here at the Rx Helper! Tomorrow, take some time to be grateful for the things that you have and the loved ones in your life. If you have the privilege of spending time with your family this holiday season, make it about them! The holidays should be filled with great conversation, mouth-watering food, and memories that will last a lifetime. If you aren’t able to spend time with friends and family this season, remember that life is a gift and you are loved. Below, we’re going to share some of our favorite healthy recipes that you can use for this Thanksgiving or for next year’s festivities. By incorporating some of these recipes, you can save over 1,000 calories during your feast.

Healthy Thanksgiving Alternatives

Turkey: instead of white meat with skin, opt for dark meat without the skin. Even though turkey skin tastes delicious, it can add hundreds of calories to your dinner plate. As a bonus, dark meat is richer in zinc and iron than white meat.

Dessert: opt for pumpkin pie or apple pie instead of pecan pie. Pecan pie may be the highest-calorie item at most Thanksgiving day meals, with a slice clocking in at over 500 calories. Pumpkin pie has less sugar and calories and is around 300 calories per slice on average. Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows also tends to cross the line from side-dish to dessert, so consider baking a few sweet potatoes instead of making the casserole this year.

Appetizers: try eating carrots with hummus and Greek yogurt instead of cheese and crackers. You can save over 80 calories a serving when you compare the nutritional value of these two foods. Instead of dinner rolls, try serving a vegetable and fruit platter that has a healthy dipping sauce! Carrots, celery, cucumbers, and fruits are popular choices. By filling up on high-fiber, nutrient-dense foods, it leaves less room for the higher-calorie items at the end of the feast.

Drinks: cocktails are often filled with lots of sugary mixers and cream (such as a white Russians). There are many Thanksgiving day cocktails that contain quite a bit of sugar, so opt for a red wine or low-calorie light beer instead.

Prescription Assistance Programs

pumpkins and more pumpkins

We founded the Rx Helper to help solve the problem of expensive prescription drugs in America. The Rx Helper cater to the uninsured and under-insured who are struggling to pay for the medicines they need. We can help you get the medication you need for little to no money when compared to traditional pharmacy pricing. The medication is provided for a fraction of the price; you only have to pay a small monthly price. If you are struggling to pay for your medications and are uninsured or under-insured this holiday season, contact us today! From everyone at The Rx Helper: have a happy thanksgiving and a memorable 2018 holiday season!